State prepares for 'ice storm' in summer

Staff and wire reports

Published 2:09 pm, Tuesday, June 18, 2013

Get ready for a major ice storm in the western part of Connecticut on the first day of summer.

Not a real ice storm, but a drill designed, among other things, to improve communication between the state's utility companies and state and local governments during emergencies and to test the state's mutual aid system.

The announcement came after Malloy met with Connecticut's utility companies to discuss their preparations for the upcoming hurricane season.

Malloy sat down with representatives from Connecticut Light & Power, United Illuminating, AT&T, Dominion Resources, Sprint, Verizon, Cablevision, Charter Communications, Comcast and Cox Communications in a closed-door meeting at the William A. O'Neill State Armory.

The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration has predicted 13 to 20 named storms. Around seven to 11 could become hurricanes, with three to six possibly becoming major hurricanes. On average, there are 12 named storms, six hurricanes and three major hurricanes.

"We must always look to improve the way we respond to an emergency so that when disaster strikes, the state's utility companies and every level of government have a clear mission and goal," Malloy said. "Storms and other emergencies are inevitable, but the more we all work together, the more we can limit the impact of those disasters so that aid reaches those most in need of help; roads, schools and businesses can re-open more quickly; and communities can return to normal sooner than might otherwise be possible."

The two-day exercise will be segmented into two, one-day drills. Each day's drill is designed to test a specific, unique set of protocols dealing with the response to and recovery from the storm.

Among the goals of the drill are:

Improving communications for road clearing and utility restoration. Utility company crews will be working with certain towns to exercise the "Make Safe" protocol that will enhance road clearance processes and communication.

Activating Local Emergency Operations Centers (EOC) and Convening Unified Command: All participating municipalities and Tribal Nations will have key local officials and leaders meet at their local EOC to simulate preparedness, response, and recovery planning.

Regional Emergency Support Plans: Each DEMHS Region will be reviewing their Regional Emergency Support Plans and implementing them as needed during the exercise, with particular focus being given to: Transportation, Logistics, Hospital Surge Capacity, and Communications.